Holgate’s Community Art Project Shines on Utility Boxes

In March 2026, the streets of Holgate, a historic neighbourhood in York, were brightened by a remarkable community art initiative. One hundred‑twenty pupils from five local primary schools teamed up to design murals that celebrate familiar sights – the Severus Hill water tower, nearby windmills, trains and the area’s wildlife. Their drawings were brought to life on five utility boxes that line the main thoroughfare.

Artist Tom Jackson of Wood Street Walls coordinated the project, supervising the translation of the children’s sketches onto the metal surfaces. After a careful spray‑painting process in May, the boxes were coated with an anti‑graffiti resin in June, ensuring the artwork endures for years to come. Jackson praised the collaboration, noting that working close to his own home community added special meaning to the work.

Teachers echoed the enthusiasm. Lee Haynes, head of Acomb Primary, called the project “vital” for teaching children the importance of caring for their neighbourhood. Likewise, Year 4 teacher Neil Brookfield at Poppleton Road Primary highlighted how his students felt “thrilled” to see their ideas combined into a single, striking display that greets them each day on their way to school.

The initiative received strong support from City of York Labour councillors Lucy Steels‑Walshaw and Jenny Kent. Councillor Kent reported that families of all ages have taken “walks to spot them all,” turning a simple utility upgrade into a community‑wide treasure hunt. Residents have expressed love for the colourful boxes, saying the art spreads cheer and encourages people to look at their local area with fresh eyes.

Beyond beautification, the project demonstrates how public art can unite diverse groups – students, educators, artists and local officials – around a shared vision of pride and creativity. It offers a tangible example of how young voices can shape the visual identity of their towns, fostering a sense of belonging that reaches far beyond the classroom.

As the painted boxes continue to attract attention, they stand as lasting symbols of Holgate’s collaborative spirit, reminding residents that even everyday objects can become canvases for community expression.